Difference Between IPX7 And IP67: Which Is Better?

Often, manufacturers claim their products are dust- and moisture-resistant. Many of us are familiar with terms such as “waterproof,” “weatherproof,” and “dust-resistant.” They are useful for product marketers but can lead to confusion for the rest of us. 

The IP rating is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing phones, headphones, speakers, and other electronic devices. But what exactly does IP rating means? What is the difference between IPX7 waterproofing and IP67 waterproofing? And which one is better for your needs? 

Do not worry if you do not know the answer to these questions. In this blog post, I’ll answer all these questions answer and will break down the differences between IPX7 and IP67 cases, so you can decide which option is best for you.

So, let’s get started!

What Is IP Rating?

Ingress Protection (IP) ratings measure the degree to which an object protects itself against water and dust ingress. Simply put, an IP rating indicates how well an electronic device is protected from water and dust. The ratings go from IP0X (no protection) to IP68 (dustproof and waterproof). 

The rating is expressed in two digits (i.e., IP68), where the first digit indicates protection against solid objects and the second digit indicates protection against liquids. So an object with an IP rating of 68 would be completely protected against dust ingress and would be able to withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

Most common electronic devices, like phones, earphones, and laptops, have an IP rating of around IP54, which means they are protected from dust and water sprayed from all directions. If you’re looking for a device that can be used in more extreme conditions, like in the rain or at the beach, you’ll want to find one with a higher IP rating.

The first digit ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates protection from solid particles.

• IP0X: This means that the product is not protected against any physical contact or objects.
• IP1X: This means that the device is only protected against objects larger than 50 mm.
• IP2X: Protected against objects larger than 12.5 mm. Protected against accidental contact with fingers as well.
• IP3X: Protected from objects larger than 2.5 mm, such as thick wires and most tools.
• IP4X: Protected against anything larger than 1 mm.
• IP5X: The device is Dust resistant. Although dust might get through, it will not cause any damage to the product.
• IP6X: This means the product is fully dust-tight. None shall pass!

The second digit ranges from 0 to 8 and indicates how well the product is protected from water.

• IPX0: This product does not offer any water protection.
• IPX1: Resistant to water that drips vertically onto the product.
• IPX2: The device with this rating can withstand water splashed on it at a 15° angle or less.
• IPX3: Can withstand water jets of up to 60°.
• IPX4: Can withstand water splashes from any angle.
• IPX5: The device with this rating can withstand a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray.
• IPX6: It is resistant to heavy and high-pressure sprays of water.
• IPX6K: It can withstand extremely high-pressure jets of water. This rating is rarely used.
• IPX7: The Product can submersion for 30 minutes up to 1 m of water.
• IPX8: The Product can be submerged deeper than 1 meter. Manufacturers specify the exact depth.
• IPX9K: The device is fully protected against extreme temperatures, pressure jet sprays, as well as steam cleaning and washing. The product that has an IPX9K rating is fully waterproof. This IP rating is rarely used.

IP67 vs IPX7 Ratings

Finally, we have come to the main topic of this article – the difference between IP67 and IPX7. The main difference between IP67 and IPX7 certified devices is that IPX7 can withstand submerged water conditions for only 30 minutes and there is no connection with dust proofing, while IP67 is fully dustproof and waterproof. If the device comes with an IP67 rating is submerged in water for 30 minutes at one meter as well as it can be used at dusty places. 

Now let’s talk about the IP67 and IPX7 ratings in more detail.

What Does IPX7 Rating Mean?

When a product is IPX7-rated, it means that the item has been tested and certified to be waterproof up to one meter for 30 minutes. This rating is usually given to products such as phones, tablets, or other electronics that may come into contact with water.

It is important to note that the device can only be submerged for half an hour and up to 3 feet in depth. A device with the rating provided should function after being pulled out of the water if the rating is true. We will suggest that you should dry your device before using it. This rating can easily handle a raindrop, splash of water, and accidental submersion. 

What Does IP67 Rating Mean?

IP67 rating means that a device is fully dust-proof and can submersion up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Devices with an IP67 rating are still susceptible to water damage if they are submerged for too long or if water enters the device at other points besides the USB port or headphone jack. So it’s always best to keep your devices dry and avoid exposing them to excess moisture.

IP67 vs IPX7: Which One Is Better?

If you are considering IPX7 vs IP67, choose IP67 since it has an additional intrusion rating. IP67-rated products are safe to use in dusty and dirty environments since microscopic particles won’t damage the components. Additionally, IP67-rated products are fully waterproof, so you can use them in wet or humid environments.

While IPX7 products are water-proof but they are not suitable for environments with a high amount of dust. So, if you need a rain-, dust, moisture, and wind-resistant product, looking for an IP68 rating is the best option.

When used in extreme weather conditions, products and devices must be dustproof and waterproof. Drop-proofing is also an important feature, as it ensures that your product or device will not be damaged when dropped from a certain height.

FAQs

What Is The Highest Waterproof Rating For Headphones And Earphones?

The highest waterproof rating for earphones and headphones is IPX8. An IPX8 rating means that the product is submerged in water more than 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. A device with this rating is suitable for continuous immersion in water.

What If A Product Doesn’t Have An IP Rating?

If a product doesn’t have an IP rating, it means that it has not been tested against solid objects and liquids and therefore doesn’t have an official rating. Devices without an IP rating may still offer some protection against water and dust, but there’s no way to know for sure since they haven’t been tested. 

It’s important to keep in mind that just because a product doesn’t have an IP rating, doesn’t mean it isn’t durable. There are many factors to consider when determining whether or not a product is durable, so always consider all the factors that are relevant. Additionally, even if a product does have an IP rating, it is still important to keep it away from water and dust as much as possible to extend its life.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the difference between IP67 and IPX7 ratings and I hope you have found this blog post very helpful decide which one is right for you.

You’ll find waterproof rating codes such as IPX7 and IP67 on many electronic products. This is not just numbers and letters but tells consumers whether a product is waterproof or not.

When it comes to water-resistant or waterproof equipment, whether it’s audio equipment (headphones, speakers) or electrical/electronic equipment, the IPX rating is the most important factor to look for and what matters the most in determining the water resistance.

If you’ve any questions or suggestions regarding this subject please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment box. We would be happy to hear from you.

Thanks for reading!